Importance of medicines to animal welfare recognised in DEFRA
reshuffle
Animal welfare and animal medicines have been linked within
DEFRA.
Following a reshuffle of responsibilities, Parliamentary Secretary Elliot Morley now has
responsibility for not only animal health and animal welfare, but also medicines and the
Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).
Welcoming this move, which recognises the vital role animal medicines
have in maintaining good health and welfare for animals, Phil Sketchley, chief executive
of the National Office of Animal Health said: "This is something we suggested when
DEFRA was first established. The availability of a wide range of properly
authorised
animal medicines is essential to the health of pet, sporting and farm
animals, and of
course good health is an essential component of animal welfare. Animal medicines,
including vaccines, help keep animals healthy, and if they do fall ill, are a vital tool
in fighting disease.
"The licensing of animal medicines is a crucial task carried out
by VMD in the UK, as without authorisation animal medicines may not be sold or used. It is
a complex task involving many disciplines, including safety to the animal patient, the
user, the environment and, for food
animals, the consumer. It is important that the
safeguard of regulation is balanced by a recognition of the need for medicines to be
available to prevent and treat animal disease.
"The collection of these responsibilities under Mr Morley should
improve communication, and create opportunities to discuss and resolve any differences. We
look forward to working with Mr Morley in the future", he said.
12 September 2002
Notes for Editors
For further information contact Phil Sketchley or Alison Glennon at NOAH, tel. +44 (0)20 8367 3131,
or visit the NOAH website.
The National Office of Animal Health was formed on 1
January 1986 to represent the UK companies which research, develop, manufacture and market
licensed animal health products. The association has 36 corporate members and 12 associate members. In 2001 NOAH's members accounted for around
95% of the £359 million UK animal health market, with additional valuable exports.
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